A Classic Tented Wedding at Private Residence in Connecticut

Simple, clean and slightly unique were three design requirements for Caroline (28 and a writer) and Rory (27 and an MBA candidate) who wed in Caroline's parents' backyard. Classic arrangements of hydrangeas, roses and peonies helped the couple pull off an elegant backyard wedding for the books. "It was special to not only invite guests to my hometown, but also to actually host them at my childhood home,” Caroline says. The food was a priority for the pair, who served Moscow mules and beers from a Guinness bar to honor Rory’s Irish roots. Guests also had rose popsicles, ice cream sandwiches and miniature pies. “All of the food was bite-sized so guests didn’t have to stop socializing to eat,” Caroline says. Tequila nip favors bearing the words “sip and be seated” doubled as escort cards. “Our favors were meant to be enjoyed during the wedding,” Caroline says. “There’s nothing like getting to know your table over a little tequila!”

Here's our favorite #MakeTradition moment: Caroline’s grandmothers served as flower girls for the Episcopalian ceremony, which concluded with a surprise performance from a live gospel choir.